Council Info & News:

Council Programs

State News

WHO ARE THE KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS?

A Catholic Men's Organization

The Knights of Columbus was formed to render financial aid to members and their families. It is a worldwide Catholic men's organization. Mutual aid and assistance are offered to sick, disabled and needy members and their families. Social and intellectual fellowship is promoted among members and their families through educational, charitable, religious, social welfare, war relief and public relief works. The Knights were established in 1882 by Father Michael J. McGivney. The main focus of the Knights of Columbus is Charity, Unity, Fraternity and Patriotism. Find out more.

The Most Reverend P.N. Lynch, Third Bishop of Charleston - 1858 - 1882

The Most Rev. P.N. Lynch first came to Charleston in 1845 to serve as the 13th Pastor of St. Mary's of the Annunciation Catholic Church, the oldest Catholic Church in the Carolinas and Georgia. He served in that position until 1845.

Father Lynch was elevated to the Episcopate as the 3rd Bishop of Charleston in 1858. His Episcopate would be particularly noteworthy because Bishop Lynch enjoyed the distinction of being a close friend and confidant of Jefferson Davis, the President of the Confederate States of America. Because of this relationship, President Davis would appoint Bishop Lynch Ambassador Plenipotentiary of the Confederacy to Europe. In his roll as Davis' Special Envoy, Bishop Lynch traveled to the Vatican and the Courts of Europe to plead the cause of the Confederacy for the express purpose of securing for it diplomatic recognition. He was very nearly successful when the war ended and Bishop Lynch found himself stranded in Europe as the Federal Government Had denied him permission to return the United States and had, in fact, petitioned the Vatican to assign to a post in Europe to prevent his return to Charleston. The Vatican did not acquiesce and won Bishop Lynch a full pardon. Bishop returned to Charleston to complete his Episcopacy and died in 1882.

Because of his outstanding achievements as an ecclesiastic and a man during the South's most trying years, and because of his whole hearted interest in the development and growth of the Catholic Church and America, the Knights of Columbus have striven to emulate his life and actions in all their ventures.

His inspiration has been and continues to be, the driving force through the years for the men and officers of the Rev. P. N. Lynch Council.